Minister Sagala Ratnayaka today said that broad structural reforms within the Police service led to the successful raid in Dubai where drug kingpin Makandure Madush and his associates were arrested. 

Speaking to the media at the Colombo Port after a brief observation visit, the Minister said independent commissions, including the National Police Commission, and advanced training opportunities enhanced their capacity — a pre-requisite for a comprehensive operation of this nature. 

The high-profile Police Range which combined Organised Crime, Narcotics Range and STF, which played a critical role in the arrest of Madush, was set up under Ratnayaka's watch as the Law and Order Minister. "We were convinced that Senior DIG M.R. Latiff was the ideal officer to lead the Range. We also knew it would be a long and arduous journey that required great patience and perseverance," the Minister explained. 

"They followed Madush for a long time and he had a few narrow escapes. When  UAE State Minister for Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan visited Sri Lanka in 2017, the Prime Minister and I requested his assistance in this regard. The former UAE Ambassador also supported our efforts. I must thank all of them for their consistent support and facilitation," Ratnayaka added. 

"We paid special attention to the training of Police officers which was a long-neglected issue. Constant training is central to the success of any Police service. As a result of our concerted efforts, we were able to reduce the number of serious crimes by 30% at the end of 2017."

Commenting on other political matters, the Minister said the motion on forming a national government was not taken up in Parliament yesterday, as the government did not want to suspend Standing Orders and proceed with the debate. 

"According to Standing Orders, the motion should be taken up after five working days from submission. It will be debated at a future session," the Minister said.